Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or you're simply on a trip with friends, Christchurch has plenty of attractions to keep you occupied. The city, which is located on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, is home to several parks and other landmarks that are well worth visiting.
Orana Wildlife Park
Located 15 minutes from Christchurch International Airport, Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand's only open-range zoo. It occupies 80 hectares of parkland. It is operated by the Orana Wildlife Trust, a registered charity.
Orana Wildlife Park is home to over 70 different species of animals. They include cheetahs, tigers, meerkats, kiwi, water buffalo, waterbuck, rhinos, lions, giraffes, zebras, meercats, apes, and more.
Orana Wildlife Park is a unique experience. It focuses on African and native animals. In addition to being a great place for families, it also offers exciting animal encounters.
Orana Wildlife Park is staffed with wildlife guides who lead visitors around the park. They also lead guests through regular animal feed presentations, which give guests a chance to see the animals up close. These feedings begin at 10:45am.
Orana Wildlife Park is positioned on State Highway 1, about fifteen minutes from the Christchurch International Airport. The park is accessible via a free tram. There is a cafe, wildlife gift shop, and a children's adventure playground.
Christchurch Adventure Park
Located in the Port Hills of Christchurch, New Zealand, Christchurch Adventure Park is a new and exciting mountain biking and ziplining destination. It features a chairlift that allows riders and their bikes to access its mountain bike trails and zipline tour.
The longest of the four ziplines is 1.1km long and reaches speeds of over 100km/h. The quickest way to get there is by a 15 minute drive from the city centre. This park has been a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.
The first of the ziplines offers a spectacular view. The second zipline takes you 150m above ground, while the fourth zipline goes through trees for almost a kilometre.
There are a number of other ancillary activities. For example, there is a large cafe and rental shop. There is also a skills area, and a range of green to double black trails. There are also plans for a mountain coaster.
Located in the Port Hills of Christchurch, the city has an impressive mountain biking and zipline culture. The park is a major attraction and is one of the best and most popular mountain biking and zipline destinations in the Southern hemisphere.
TranzAlpine Train
Taking the TranzAlpine train is one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. It winds through the Southern Alps in New Zealand. It begins in Christchurch, travels through Arthur's Pass, and ends in Greymouth. The train has been rated one of the Top Six Train Journeys in the world.
The TranzAlpine trains combines stunning scenery with a luxury experience. It offers an open-air carriage and comfortable seats. It is also equipped with airbag suspension, GPS-triggered at-seat commentary, and an onboard cafe. You can choose from a range of meals, including microwaveable meals.
TranzAlpine trains run daily from Christchurch to Greymouth. It is 223 kilometres one-way. The trip takes approximately five hours. It is recommended that you arrive at the station at least two hours before the train departs.
The train departs from Christchurch at 08:15 and arrives in Greymouth at 14:05. The train stops at various stations along the way, but most passengers can expect to spend less than two hours in each stop.
Ko Tane Maori Experience
Located in the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch, the Ko Tane Maori Experience is the South Island's premier Maori cultural experience. This authentic experience features traditional Maori dance, an interactive village, traditional powhiri, a kapahaka performance, and delicious Maori food. Guests will learn about the relationship between Maori culture and nature, as well as the Maori people's history, myths and legends.
The 45 minute kapahaka performance includes the traditional Maori haka, weapons displays, stick games, action songs, and the opportunity to learn the haka. Visitors can also enjoy the replica village, which offers an exciting glimpse into Maori culture.
Guests are also introduced to a variety of native New Zealand birds and wildlife, including tuatara, weka, wood pigeon, and kiwi. Some species have been reintroduced to the area, while others are near extinction.
The Maori Experience in Willowbank Wildlife Reserve also offers a four course Hangi Dinner. This four-course meal includes hangi cooked mains and desserts, as well as a choice of drinks.